Abba Father Send Your Spirit

This hymn for Pentecost was written by American Roman Catholic teacher Virginia (Ginny) Vissing - who was listed as Rosalie Vissing in early publications.

It was first published in 1974, when copyright was assigned to the Shalom Community of Whicita. Subsequent registrations were to the Sisters of St Mary of Namur - presumably because Vissing joined this order after writing the song.

It has been published in Spanish by OCP as Abba Padre, and this is still in print today. It's not clear whether the Spanish or English version came first, but the number of videos on YouTube suggest that the Spanish version is more commonly sung today.

It is set to an unnamed tune, also by Vissing. This has a 4/4 time signature. In the key of E, the first few notes are B, B, E B, C C E C B, E G F.

Examples

Lead singer and small group with guitar backing:

Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website. A rough outline is: